Tributes are flowing from across the political divide for Ian Causley, one of the NSW North Coast's longest serving members of Parliament, who has died aged 79.
The former canecutter and farmer from Maclean was a Nationals member for the New South Wales seat of Clarence from 1984 until 1996, when he switched to federal politics and represented the seat of Page until he retired at the 2007 election.
He was a towering figure within the party.
Federal Nationals' party director and former colleague Larry Anthony said he was a straight shooter.
"I remember many party room meetings, particularly with Tim Fischer there, he said it as it was. He was not afraid to voice his opinion. He is a rare breed actually in politics," Mr Anthony said.
"Sometimes people would say he was a controversial character. He always stuck to his guns, but he had a great affinity and a great passion for all those communities — Casino, Kyogle, the big centres Grafton and Lismore.
"He was a Maclean boy, but his roots (across the North Coast) were very strong."
Former Labor candidate Bill Day stood unsuccessfully against Mr Causley for the seat of Clarence at two elections in the 1980s.
Mr Day said "Ian thrashed me", and remained a formidable opponent, although he was always ready to help when needed.
"There were occasions when I needed help at state level and federally, as we all do, and went to my local MP Ian, and there was no animosity at all," Mr Day said.
"He took my issues seriously, did whatever he could to help me."
Mr Causley was involved in agri-politics for more than 50 years until his retirement from the board of the NSW Sugar Milling Co-operative in December 2017.
The co-op's chairman, Jim Sneesby, described Mr Causley as a servant to the sugar industry.
"He was involved in the negotiations and the ultimate transfer of ownership of the three sugar mills in New South Wales, from CSR Limited to a grower co-operative," he said.
As ABC Landline presenter Pip Courtney discovered, the former formidable politician, who had cut cane by hand, had a softer side as a chook fancier.
"I could imagine him wringing chickens necks, not grooming them," she said.
She said his passion for chickens developed as a child, along with his chook-breeding neighbour, Ray Connors.
"We sat around with the two old fellas hearing stories, cutting cane by hand and putting chickens on trains to take them to the Sydney show," Ms Courtney said.
"I was just a bit of a fan of the man, really. I just saw his gentle side, that I was just privileged to show our audience."
Mr Causley's wife, June, died in 2013.
He is survived by his four children, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
